Title
Consideration of an Applicant for the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Consider Greg Taylor to fill the vacant lodging industry representative position on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to consider Greg Taylor to fill a vacant lodging industry representative position on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee.
Staff Contact:
Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director, City Manager’s Office, 360.753.8361
Presenter(s):
Kellie Purce Braseth, Strategic Communications Director
Background and Analysis:
Washington State Law dictates the membership of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), mandating that of the five required members “two (2) … shall be representatives of businesses required to collect the lodging tax.” In March 2024, one of Olympia’s two required lodging industry representatives stepped off the committee. Recruitment to fill the vacancy, therefore, is limited to only those who work within the City of Olympia’s lodging community.
Greg Taylor, the current General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Olympia, previously served in good stead on LTAC from May 2009 until May 2019, when he moved from the Olympia community. Having since returned to Olympia and to Olympia’s lodging community, Mr. Taylor has expressed interest in once again serving on the City’s Loding Tax Advisory Committee.
Neighborhood/Community Interest (if known):
Residents serve on Advisory Committees to share their opinions and perspectives, study issues, and develop recommendations in a focused small group in order to provide judicious advice from a community member’s perspective to the Olympia City Council.
Options:
1. Consider Greg Taylor to fill the vacant lodging industry representative position on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee and finalize an appointment recommendation to forward to the City Council for approval.
2. Do not consider the candidate and direct staff to reschedule another date for the process.
Financial Impact:
To help defray costs (transportation, childcare, etc.) and lower barriers to participation, members of Council-appointed boards and commissions are eligible for a stipend of $25 per meeting attended. Those who can certify they are low income can receive a stipend of $50 per meeting attended. Members may also choose to waive receipt of the stipend.
Attachments:
Greg Taylor Application